INDOOR CRICKET: Ipswich and East Suffolk cricket club have a double reason to celebrate 2003.It not only marks a return to Division One of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship for the Chantry Park-based club, but also their 150th anniversary.

INDOOR CRICKET

IPSWICH and East Suffolk cricket club have a double reason to celebrate 2003.

It not only marks a return to Division One of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship for the Chantry Park-based club, but also their 150th anniversary.

A special festival is being planned to mark the occasion, and it is hoped that many former players and officials will join in.

It was on July 25 1853 that IES played their first match – at Portman Road against Stowmarket where they lost by 100 runs.

On the evening of July 25 next year a special game against Stowmarket is planned for Chantry Park in traditional clothing of the original match.

There will also be refreshments on the night with invites going out to local cricket dignitaries and all ex-players.

The festival will continue with home league games on Saturday and Sunday, before a full week of further matches.

On Monday July 28 there will be a colts match, on Tuesday a game against a Dutch side, on Wednesday against a Suffolk Select XI, on Thursday against the Two Counties Over-50's and on Friday a president's versus chairman's game.

The festivities will end with two home weekend league fixtures.

On each night there will be events in the clubhouse. A special souvenir book is being published and a grand auction of special cricket memorabilia will also take place.

For more information on what will be one of the biggest events in the Suffolk cricket calendar in 2003 contact secretary Dave Little on Ipswich 729732.